Oct 5, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Saint Thomas (19) reacts after fa play against James Wiseman (35) and the New York Knicks during the third quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
This is hardly the trajectory that James Wiseman anticipated when he was selected No. 2 overall by the Golden State Warriors six years ago, fighting for a roster spot on the New York Knicks. But the chance to carve out a role on the defending champions is still very much in reach, and Monday’s preseason opener provided the 25-year-old a stage for a strong first audition.
The 6-foot-11 big man played nine minutes in New York’s loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, shooting 3-for-4 from the field with eight points, five rebounds, and a block.
“It felt good just trying to contribute to the team with whatever I could do,” Wiseman told reporters following the game. “Just really fight my hardest, that’s what I did.”
This was the Memphis product’s first game action since suffering a season-ending Achilles injury on Christmas with the Indiana Pacers. Injuries have limited him to just five games in the last two seasons.
But there is a spot to be won in New York’s ever-changing frontcourt. One of last year’s championship heroes, Mitchell Robinson, was jilted by management and signed with the Boston Celtics in free agency. The team brought in veteran center Andre Drummond to back up Karl-Anthony Towns, whose future with the Knicks is anything but stable while he publicly fumes at ineffective contract-extension negotiations.
Wiseman has a history with Knicks head coach Mike Brown. The two worked together in Golden State when New York’s head coach was an assistant under Steve Kerr.
“When you’re that long and athletic with skill, there’s a place for you in this league,” Brown said of Wiseman. “Sometimes, it takes the right moment, the right team, the right situation, all of that to be able to fit someplace and grow. He’s one of many guys that we’re excited about.”
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